The Port of Ngqura celebrated a milestone when the first cargo vessel for the Coega special economic zone’s new cement manufacturer moored at the harbour.
The Genco Brittany vessel discharged a total of 55,410 tons of cement clinker and gypsum at the port’s multipurpose terminal.
The raw material is intended for Osho Cement, a manufacturer whose premises in the SEZ are expected to open its doors later this year.
The plans for Osho Cement – the result of a joint venture between a South African and an Austrian company and which brought an investment of R650m to the SEZ – were announced in April 2017.
The company will import its primary raw material and use it to manufacture and sell its products locally, with plans to export cement to the Indian Ocean Islands and countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
With the arrival of the vessel, the ship’s own cranes and grabs discharged the cargo, which was then transported by truck to the factory.
Port manager Tandi Lebakeng said the short distance between the port and the factory – a round trip of 13km – made it a smooth process.
“The Port of Ngqura is the preferred gateway for our new client as its infrastructure, draught and location are ideal.
“The multipurpose terminal can accommodate the preferred Supramax and Ultramax vessels, carrying tonnages ranging from 55,000 to 63,000 tons. The port also offers suitable storage space for this type of cargo,” she said.
Lebakeng expects steady growth in imports over the next five years. “We welcome our new client, bringing regular visitors to the port.
“This is not only good business for the port, but it also means growth for the Eastern Cape and SA economy.”